“We belong to one human family. So today, I invite each of us: To be the voice that breaks through the prison walls and the sounds of war, to be the hands that reach out when others are abandoned, to be the community that walks with survivors on their long journey of healing.”
These powerful words from ASeTTS Board Chair and torture survivor Kevin de Souza opened our From Darkness to Light event last Thursday — setting the tone for an evening grounded in truth, courage, and collective responsibility. Over 110 people gathered at the beautiful Cleaver House in West Perth for a night of reflection, conversation, and solidarity in acknowledgement of the International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture.
We were privileged to welcome Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, representing the Minister for Mental Health, whose moving address drew on her own journey of resettlement. We also welcomed Hon. Pierre Yang MLC, representing the Minister for Multicultural Interests; ASeTTS Board members and staff; supporters; stakeholders; and community members who continue to champion the rights and dignity of survivors.
Guided by ABC journalist Tabarak Al Jrood, our panel brought together two global leaders in torture and trauma rehabilitation:
- Jorge Aroche, CEO of STARTTS
- Dr Simon Adams, Professor of Human Rights at Murdoch University and former CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture (USA)
Across decades of work alongside survivors, they explored themes that continue to shape the global landscape of torture and trauma recovery:
- What first drew them to supporting survivors, and what has kept them committed over so many years
- The stories they carry with them, individuals whose strength, courage, and humanity have profoundly shaped the way they see the world
- The changing political contexts in which torture and trauma work is being delivered
- And finally, a powerful closing reflection: Why it matters that we, as a society continue to acknowledge this day, and what each of us can do once we leave the room.
Our visual installation, inspired by Kevin de Souza, invited guests to engage with the four pillars of recovery and explore resources from the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) Global Data and the Survivors’ Charters.
Our visual installation on the four pillars of recovery, along with resources from the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) Global Data and the Survivors’ Charters, provided guests with a powerful opportunity to better understand the global context of torture, the profoundly positive impact of torture and trauma services, and the voices of survivors.
The installation became a quiet space for reflection, a reminder that recovery is possible, and that communities play a vital role in that journey.
Thank you to the following people for making this possible:
- The ASeTTS Board
- Our special guests
- Our event planning committee
- Our speakers and facilitator
- Our caterer from Sister Project
- Reza Mirzaei for the beautiful musical performance
- Everyone who attended, for your care, interest, and commitment to this space
Torture is a crime under international law. In an ideal world, services like ours would never need to exist. But until that day comes, ASeTTS remains steadfast in walking alongside survivors, advocating for justice , strengthening communities through healing, connection, and truth‑telling.
For more information on the resources from the night, follow the links below:
https://irct.org/Survivors-Charter
https://youtu.be/JeNpF8AYl04?si=cBE7hdhT4UO05nDB
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims Global Impact Data
https://irct.org/global-impact-data
ASeTTS’ 30Years, 30 Stories
https://issuu.com/galleypress/docs/asetts_30_lr-final
About International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
https://www.un.org/en/observances/torture-victims-day
